European Journal of Medicinal Plants

A Study on the Ex-Situ Conservation and Promotion of Medicinal Plants in Dr. Sushila Tiwari Herbal Garden, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India

Pottepaka Shravan — 2024-04-29

A study was conducted at the Dr. Sushila Tiwari herbal garden in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, with the aim of scientific documentation and data collection of medicinal plants. The study found there are approximately 126 species present in the herbal garden, trees being the most abundant species followed by shrubs, herbs, climbers and grasses. The major families found in the herbal garden are Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Apocynaceae, Moraceae, Poaceae, and Solanaceae etc. Critically endangered species such as Chlorophytum borivilianum, Endangered species such as Oroxylum indicum, Ginkgo biloba, Cammiphora wightii, Rauvolfia serpentina, and Strychnos lucida. Near threatened species such as Aegle mermelos, were also found in the garden. Herbal gardens are crucial for conserving rare and endangered medicinal plants, while also promoting the utility of commonly available and frequently used medicinal plants among people, beneficiaries and other stakeholders.

Evaluation of the Mutagenic Potential of Artavol® Using the Ame’s Test

Joseph Oloro — 2024-04-30

Background: The worldwide increase in the use of herbal medicinal - products calls for their safety testing to protect the public from unintended hazardous effects. However, most are not tested, putting the public at risk. The modified Ames ISO test is a useful resource for determining the mutagenic potential of medicinal products and was used in this study to determine the safety of an herbal tea like Artavol®.

Methods: This study used Ame's Modified ISO test to analyze aqueous extract of Artavol®, in a Level II biosafety cabinet. Artavol® was extracted using the infusion method ^1,2, freeze dried, diluted to concentrations of 125µg, 250µg, and 500µg and used in the study. Mutagenicity was tested by culturing Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100. Results were considered by observing colour change in the wells of the microtitre plates from purple to yellow indicating mutation. Valid results were determined by comparing negative and positive control plates after 3 days of incubation, with positive results showing a color change from purple to yellow.

Results: Colour changes were not observed in all wells containing 125µg, 250µg, and 500µg of Artavol® up to day 3, while positive control showed color changes equivalent to 80% for TA98 and 70% for TA100.

Conclusion: Aqueous extract of Artavol® is not mutagenic. Further safety test such as sub-chronic toxicity study ad teratogenicity studies are recommended to provide more safety data on the product.

Hypoglycaemic Effects of an Aqueous Leaves Extract of Combretum micranthum in Normoglycaemic Rats

Djike Kouehiouon Justin Anderson-Bel — 2024-05-02

Background: In order to promote the Ivorian pharmacopoeia, we undertook the study of Combretum micranthum (Combretaceae), a plant commonly used in Ivory Coast for the treatment of diabetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypoglycemic effects of an aqueous leaves extract of Combretum micranthum (EaqCM) in Wistar rats.

Methods and Materials: A phytochemical screening study was performed. The pharmacological test on normoglycaemic rats was carried out in 4 groups of 5 rats per group. Rats in group 1 received 2 ml of distilled water, and rats in the test groups received doses ranging at 100 to 300 mg/kg B.W. of the EAqCM. Tests in pre-treated temporarily hyperglycemic rats were performed in 4 groups of 5 rats per group. The rats in groups 1 and 2 received 2ml of distilled water, the rats in test groups (3 and 4) received the dose of 10^-2g/kg B.W. and 100 mg/kg B.W. respectively glibenclamide and EAqCM. Thirty minutes later, all rats except those in group 1 received anhydrous glucose. The protocol for testing post-treated hyperglycaemic rats is the same as that for pretreated rats, except that in this experiment glucose is administered to the animals before the test substances. Blood glucose is measured in the rats at regular intervals of 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 minutes after administration of the substances.

Results: Qualitative phytochemical analysis of EAqCM revealed the presence of polyphenols, flavonoids, catechic, tannins, quinonic compounds, alkaloids, sterols, and polyterpenes. Pharmacological tests on the glycemia of normoglycemic rats showed that EAqCM has hypoglycemic properties at a dose of 100 mg/kgB.W. with a percentage reduction of 30%. In hyperglycemic rats, EAqCM and glibenclamide exhibited anti-hyperglycemic activity with respective percentages reduction of 57.47 % and 58.82 %.

Conclusion: Antihyperglycemic effect of EAqCM in post-treated rats would probably be due to the presence of polyphenols and flavonoids in this extract. These results support the use of this plant in traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes.

Cactaceaes of the Brazilian Semiarid: Source of Bioactive Compounds

Leila Magda Rodrigues Almeida — 2024-04-29

The semiarid region of Brazil stands out as one of the spaces with the highest diversity of plant species in the world, and the Cactaceae family the one that best represents the Brazilian semiarid. However, although there are many species of cacti in Brazil, their chemical potential has yet to be discovered. Given this, the present review aims to record the bioactive metabolites of native cactaceaes or not in Brazil, encompassing a description of its habitat and traditional uses. Compilations of ethnobotanical studies point to the importance of cacti species in the daily life of local cultures. Cactaceaes are used for food, economic, ornamental, and mystical purposes, among others, and stand out for their importance in traditional medicine, used to treat various diseases. Bioactive compounds in this family belong mainly to alkaloid groups, such as betalain, phenolic acids, terpenes and fatty acids. This review displays the relevance of the Cactaceae family in the face of the remarkable production of bioactive compounds.